On Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 15:50 hours, vigilant officials at the Ibara Custodial Center intercepted Shobowale Balikis, a woman attempting to smuggle contraband into the facility. The suspect was caught concealing ethanol inside a bottled water pack, disguising it as drinking water intended for an inmate. This incident occurred during a routine search, highlighting the alertness of the correctional officers.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, Odukoya O. Olayinka, the swift action of correctional officers ensured the illicit substance was detected before it could reach the inmate population. The suspect has since been handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation and prosecution. This development underscores the Service's commitment to maintaining order and security within custodial centers.
The Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Kamoru Adesina, reiterated the Service's zero-tolerance policy for smuggling into custodial centers. He emphasized that the interception demonstrates the determination of the Service to protect inmates, preserve order, and uphold the rule of law. This stance aligns with the Service's broader goal of safeguarding the integrity of the correctional system.
This incident is not an isolated case, as it follows a similar arrest about four weeks prior. On that occasion, a mother, Mrs. Iyabo Sowunmi, was apprehended at the same center while trying to smuggle drugs to her son on death row. Officers discovered a suspicious substance concealed inside a sachet of Milo beverage powder, suspected to be "Colos," a psychoactive synthetic drug.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, assured the public that it remains resolute in preventing contraband infiltration and safeguarding the integrity of the correctional system. The Service's proactive measures aim to prevent the introduction of illicit substances that could compromise the rehabilitation and well-being of inmates.
The arrest of Shobowale Balikis and the subsequent handover to the Nigerian Police demonstrate the collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Correctional Service and other law enforcement agencies to combat smuggling and maintain order in custodial centers. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges and the Service's commitment to addressing them.
The Nigerian Correctional Service continues to implement strict measures to prevent smuggling and ensure the safety and security of inmates and staff. The Service's efforts are geared towards maintaining a secure and rehabilitative environment for inmates, while also upholding the rule of law and protecting society.
Key points
- The Nigerian Correctional Service has arrested a woman for attempting to smuggle ethanol to an inmate in a bottled water pack.
- The Service has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for smuggling into custodial centers.
- This incident follows a similar arrest about four weeks prior, highlighting the ongoing challenges in preventing contraband infiltration.
